Ambassadors (VOG-Week 3.3)

Hello ladies. We are discussing day three of week three in  Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. I hope you are finding the time to continue in this study. Even if you get behind please don’t give up. This is an online study you can do at your own pace.

Today Priscilla talks about God’s desire for unity and the building up and edifying of one another in the body of Christ.  If you would talk to some of my friends they would probably tell you that I am obsessed with unity in the body and have been for quite some time.  It is something that my heart greatly desires for all Christians regardless of our denominations. We are beginning to see different churches in our communities partnering to minister to those in need.  Where I live a large group meets every Tuesday night under a bridge downtown and feeds the homeless, hands out different items, and then they have a service for them with praise and worship and a Pastor preaches the gospel. This is a great example of unity in the body of Christ.

Priscilla also talks about mutual edification and how we should be mindful of our brothers and sisters. In her example from Romans 14:19-20 it speaks about how Paul said they had the freedom to eat what they wanted but be considerate of how it may affect others. Of course he was referring to the observance of ceremonial customs by the Jews and the freedoms the Gentiles chose in regards to eating meat.  If you have Jewish friends and you invited them for dinner would you only offer them the food you eat or would you have kosher food for them? That is respect and peacefulness.  On a more personal level maybe you have a friend who is a new Christian and once had an alcohol addiction. You invite them to your home for dinner and you usually have wine for dinner.  This is a freedom like Paul speaks of but the Holy Spirit may convict you not to serve any wine that evening so your friend is not tempted to stumble and can enjoy their time. You are unselfishly serving a brother or sister in Christ.  We have always heard the statement many times from our pastors that we can either be a stepping stone or a stumbling block to others.  This is an example of Romans 14:15 which says, “If another Christian is distressed by what you eat (or drink—my addition), you are not acting in love if you eat (or drink-my addition) it.”

I love the mention of James 3:17 which talks of the wisdom that is from heaven.  That is what I desire greatly for myself.  Just meditate on this verse and who do you see?  I see Jesus who came down from Heaven and who gave us the examples of   wisdom in love and peacekeeping.   Please meditate upon this scripture verse which you will find on page 54 as well as below.

Today’s Prayer

Abba, Father, your word says if we lack wisdom we are to ask you and you will give it to us generously. Lord, as we seek to walk in unity in the body of Christ and edify one another I pray that we would seek your wisdom in all situations and circumstances. I pray that we will hear the Holy Spirit’s warnings if we are getting ready to cause someone to maybe stumble or where we may not be representing you as the ambassador that you have called us to be.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen

Quotes by Priscilla

“The Lord desires unity and mutual edification within the body of Christ.”

“Being aware of how our actions will affect other believers is one way the Holy Spirit speaks to us.”

Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)

.. being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Romans 14:10

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. James 3:17

For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Romans 14:15

Let’s Talk About It

Do you have anyone in your life who edifies you and builds you up? If so, what are some of the things they do?